Syringe nest assembly

ABSTRACT

A syringe nest assembly includes a base having a first surface and an opposing second surface and a first plate movably coupled to the base. The base includes a plurality of nesting units extending upwardly away from the first surface of the base. Each nesting unit includes a hollow body having a first open end distal from the first surface of the base and an opposing second open end. The first plate has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first plate includes a plurality of apertures extending from the first surface to the second surface of the first plate. Each aperture of the first plate is generally aligned with a respective nesting unit of the base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.16/075,352, filed Aug. 3, 2018, which has been allowed and is a section371 of International Application No. PCT/US17/17031, filed Feb. 8, 2017,which was published Aug. 17, 2017 under International Publication No. WO2017/139385 A1, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/292,607, filed Feb. 8, 29016, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a syringe nest assembly. In particular,the present invention relates to a syringe nest assembly configured tomore accurately center the syringes contained therein relative to eachother and facilitate the syringes having the correct positioning wheninterfacing with automated manufacturing, handling packaging, andfilling equipment.

A syringe nest is typically a substantially planar tray which sits in asyringe tub and has a plurality of individual nesting units, typicallyreferred to as chimneys, each capable of receiving a syringe, tocontain, transport and fill syringes in various manufacturing processes.The syringe nest is typically used in automation processes for theassembly of, for example, pre-filled syringes. The chimneys of a syringenest have a defined center to center distance that must remain accurate,in order to ensure that the nest is compatible with existingmanufacturing, packaging, and filling equipment. The quantity sizes ofsyringe nests have been increasing in recent years, with 160chimneys/nest potentially becoming the new standard.

This has caused the syringe chimneys to be formed significantly closertogether, particularly for nests requiring larger chimney diameters dueto integrated safety systems. However, as the standard chimney diameterincreases, it becomes more difficult to maintain the center to centerdistance which is necessary for ensuring that the syringes properlyinterface with existing automated manufacturing, handling, packaging,and filling equipment.

Accordingly, there is a need for a syringe nest assembly which ensuresthat the syringes positioned therein meet the standard requisite centerto center distance.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to asyringe nest assembly including a base having a first surface and anopposing second surface and a first plate movably coupled to the base.The base includes a plurality of nesting units extending upwardly awayfrom the first surface of the base. Each nesting unit includes a hollowbody having a first open end distal from the first surface of the baseand an opposing second open end. The first plate has a first surface andan opposing second surface. The first plate includes a plurality ofapertures extending from the first surface to the second surface of thefirst plate. Each aperture of the first plate is generally aligned witha respective nesting unit of the base.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method ofcentering two or more syringes in a syringe nest assembly. The syringenest assembly comprises a base having a first surface and an opposingsecond surface and a first plate movably coupled to the base. The baseincludes a plurality of nesting units extending upwardly away from thefirst surface of the base. Each nesting unit includes a hollow bodyhaving a first open end distal from the first surface of the base and anopposing second open end. The first plate has a first surface and anopposing second surface. The first plate includes a plurality ofapertures extending from the first surface to the second surface of thefirst plate. Each aperture of the first plate is generally aligned witha respective nesting unit of the base. The method comprises positioninga first syringe in a first nesting unit and positioning a second syringein a second nesting unit adjacent the first nesting unit, such that abarrel of each syringe extends through the hollow body of the respectivenesting unit; and sliding the first plate in a first direction such thatthe first plate contacts each syringe and causes each syringe to movetoward the interior wall surface of the respective nesting unit untileach syringe contacts the interior wall surface of the respectivenesting unit.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a syringe nestcomprising a flexible base having a first surface and an opposing secondsurface. The base comprises a plurality of nesting units extendingupwardly away from the first surface of the base. Each nesting unitcomprises a hollow body having a first open end distal from the firstsurface of the base and an opposing second end. The base furthercomprises a notch formed at the second end of each nesting unit. Eachnotch is configured to be in a closed position when no syringe ispositioned in the nesting unit and each notch is configured to be in anopen position when a syringe is positioned in the nesting unit, suchthat the syringe extends through the base when the notch is in the openposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodimentswhich are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, thatthe invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of a syringe nest assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a top, front partial perspective view of the syringe nestassembly shown in FIG. 1 with syringes in a first, un-centered position;

FIG. 2B is a top, front partial perspective view of the syringe nestassembly shown in FIG. 1 with syringes in a second, centered position;

FIG. 3A is top, front partial perspective view of the syringe nest shownin FIG. 1 (with the top plate removed) with syringes in a first,un-centered position;

FIG. 3B is a top, front partial perspective view of the syringe nestassembly shown in FIG. 1 (with the top plate removed) with syringes in asecond, centered position;

FIG. 4A is a top, front perspective view of a syringe nest assembly inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, with theassembly being shown with syringes in a first, un-centered position;

FIG. 4B is a top, front perspective view of the syringe nest assemblyshown in FIG. 4A with syringes in a second, centered position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged top, side partial perspective view of the syringenest assembly shown in FIGS. 4A-4B;

FIG. 6A is a bottom, front perspective view of a syringe nest assemblyin accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, with theassembly being shown in a first position in which syringes would not becentered;

FIG. 6B is a bottom, front perspective view of the syringe nest assemblyshown in FIG. 6A in a second position in which syringes would becentered relative to each other;

FIG. 7 is a top, partial plan view of a syringe nest assembly inaccordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a bottom, parial side perspective view of the syringe nestassembly shown in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of theinvention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be notedthat the drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to precisescale. Certain terminology is used in the following description forconvenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,”“bottom” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to whichreference is made. The words “first,” “second,” “third” and “fourth”designate an order of operations in the drawings to which reference ismade, but do not limit these steps to the exact order described. Thewords “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and awayfrom, respectively, the geometric center of the assembly and designatedparts thereof. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an”and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read asmeaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above,derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals andcharacters indicate like elements throughout, there are shown in FIGS.1-8, presently preferred embodiments of syringe nest assemblies inaccordance with the present invention. With reference initially to FIGS.1-3B, the syringe nest assembly, generally designated 10, includes asyringe nest 12 and at least one movable plate 14.

Referring to FIG. 1, the nest 12 comprises a generally planar base ortray 16 having a first surface 16 a and an opposing second surface 16 b.The base 16 further includes a first edge or side 40 and an opposingsecond edge or side 42. The first and second edges 40, 42 extendparallel to each other. The base 16 further includes a third edge orside 44 and an opposing fourth edge or side 46. The third and fourthedges 44, 46 extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to thefirst and second edges 40, 42. A longitudinal axis X₁₆ of the base 16extends parallel to the first and second edges 40, 42 from the thirdedge 44 toward the fourth edge 46 (or vice versa).

While the present embodiment is configured with the base 16 configuredas a planar rectangular tray, the base 16 can alternatively beconfigured in any planar fashion suitable for its intended use, such asa planar circular, square, oval, or octagonal shaped tray.

The nest 12 further comprises a plurality of single nesting units,referred to herein as chimneys, 18. Each chimney 18 includes a generallyhollow body 19 that extends distally from the first surface 16 a of thebase 16. The hollow body 19 includes a first open end 19 a distal fromthe base 16 and a second open end 19 b proximate the base 16. The hollowbody 19 also includes an interior wall surface 20 and an exterior wallsurface 22. The nest 12 can also include a syringe 34 received withineach of the plurality of chimneys 18.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, in one embodiment, each of the chimneys 18preferably has a hexagonal shape or geometry. Thus, each chimney 18 hassix sidewalls 24 and six connecting lines (also known as vertices orcorners) 26. The hexagonal chimneys 18 are arranged in a honeycombpattern. By the honeycomb pattern, the chimneys 18 are interconnected insuch a manner that at least one sidewall 24, and preferably eachsidewall 24, of one chimney 18 also forms a sidewall 24 of anotherchimney 18 (i.e., contiguous walls), such that no voids are formedbetween adjacent chimneys 18. Each chimney 18 thus shares at least onesidewall 24 with at least one other chimney 18. More preferably, withthe exception of the outermost peripheral chimneys 18, every sidewall 24of each chimney 18 is common to that of another chimney 18. Thus, eachchimney 18 shares a common sidewall 24 with a plurality of otherchimneys 18.

Conventionally, utilizing solely a honeycomb structure based on thedesired center to center distance would require excessive wall thicknessto form a platform on which flanges of the syringes may rest, whichwould be disadvantageous for injection molding. The present invention,however, avoids such excess wall thickness. In particular, each of thehexagonal chimneys 18 has a relatively large diameter that enablesmaintaining a predetermined center to center distance D of the syringes34 contained therein, but also does not have an excessive sidewall 24thickness.

It will, however, be understood that the chimneys 18 need not have ahexagonal geometry and need not be arranged in a honeycomb pattern.Indeed, the chimneys 18 may be cylindrical and arranged in any pattern,with or without gaps or voids between adjacent chimneys.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, in one embodiment, each of the outermostchimneys 18 proximate the first edge 40 of the base 16 include aprojecting protrusion, rim or flange 48 extending outwardly away fromthe chimney body 19 toward the first edge 40. More particularly, at thefirst open end 19 a of each perimeter chimney 18 proximate the firstedge 40, a portion of the chimney body 19 includes or is formed as aperipheral flange 48 which projects outwardly away from the chimney body19 toward the first edge 40. In the case of hexagonal chimneys 18, theperipheral flange 48 is formed on one sidewall 24 at the first open end19 a of the chimney body 19.

Collectively, the peripheral flanges 48 of the outermost chimneys 18proximate the first edge 40 define a first longitudinally extendingperipheral flange 50, and more particularly a first peripheral flange 50which extends along the first edge 40 of the base 16, in the plane ofthe first open ends 19 a of the chimney bodies 19 and distal from thebase 16. The first peripheral flange 50 extends along the longitudinalaxis X₁₆ (i.e., from the third edge 44 toward the fourth edge 46 or viceversa). The first peripheral flange 50 comprises the spaced apartindividual flanges 48 proximate the first edge 40, each of which extendsalong the longitudinal axis X₁₆ (i.e., from the third edge 44 toward thefourth edge 46 or vice versa).

Preferably, at the first open end 19 a of each of the outermost chimneys18 proximate the second edge 42 of the base 16, a portion of the chimneybody 19 also includes or is formed as a peripheral protrusion or flange48 which projects outwardly from the chimney body 19 toward the secondedge 42. That is, a sidewall of each chimney 18 immediately adjacent thefirst and second edges 40, 42 includes a peripheral flange 48.Collectively, the peripheral flanges 48 of the outermost chimneys 18proximate the second edge 42 define a second peripheral flange 50 whichextends along the second edge 42 of the base 16, in the plane of thefirst open ends 19 a of the chimney bodies 19 and distal from the base16. The second peripheral flange 50 extends along the longitudinal axisX₁₆ (i.e., from the third edge 44 toward the fourth edge 46 or viceversa). Thus, the second peripheral flange 50 mirrors the firstperipheral flange 50. The second peripheral flange 50 comprises thespaced apart individual flanges 48 proximate the second edge 42, each ofwhich extends along the longitudinal axis X₁₆ (i.e., from the third edge44 toward the fourth edge 46 or vice versa).

The plate 14 has a generally planar form and includes a first surface 14a and an opposing second surface 14 b. In an assembled position of thesyringe nest assembly 10, the second surface 14 b faces the firstsurface 16 a of the base 16. The plate 14 further includes a first edgeor side 52 and an opposing second edge or side 54. The first and secondedges 52, 54 extend parallel to each other. The plate 14 furtherincludes a third edge or side 56 and an opposing fourth edge or side 58.The third and fourth edges 56, 58 extend parallel to each other andperpendicular to the first and second edges 52, 54. A longitudinal axisX₁₄ of the plate 14 extends parallel to the first and second edges 52,54 from the third edge 56 toward the fourth edge 58 (or vice versa).

While the present embodiment is configured with the plate 14 configuredas a planar rectangular form, the plate 14 can alternatively beconfigured into any planar fashion suitable for its intended use, suchas a planar circular, square, oval, or octagonal shaped form.Preferably, however, the shape of the plate 14 conforms to that of thebase 16.

The plate 14 further comprises a plurality of spaced apart openings orapertures 60 which extend from the first surface 14 a to the secondsurface 14 b. The apertures 60 are defined by sidewalls 61 extendingthrough the body of the plate 14 from the first surface 14 a to thesecond surface 14 b. The positon of each aperture 60 corresponds to(i.e., is configured to be aligned with) a respective one of thechimneys 18 of the nest 12. The apertures 60 may have any geometricshape. Preferably, the apertures 60 are cylindrical (e.g., circular incross-section). However, it will be understood that the apertures 60 mayalternatively be hexagonal or any other shape which complements theshape of the associated chimney 18.

In one embodiment, the first edge 52 of the plate 14 includes a firstelongated slot or groove 62 configured to mate with the first peripheralflange 50 (i.e., the individual flanges 48 of the peripheral chimneys18) of the base 16. More particularly, the first edge 52 of the plate 14is provided with an L-shaped form which extends downwardly from thefirst edge 52 and defines the first elongated slot 62 therein. The firstelongated slot 62 extends along the longitudinal axis X₁₄ of the plate14 (i.e., from the third edge 56 toward the fourth edge 58 or viceversa). The first peripheral flange 50 of the perimeter chimneys 18 ofthe first edge 40 of the nest 12 is received and movable within thefirst elongated slot 62. By this engagement, the plate 14 is slidablerelative to the nest 12, and more particularly the base 16 and chimneys18.

Preferably, the second edge 54 of the plate 14 includes a secondelongated slot or groove 62 configured to mate with the secondperipheral flange 50 of the base 16. More particularly, the second edge54 of the plate 14 is provided with an L-shaped form which extendsdownwardly from the second edge 54 and defines the second elongated slot62 therein. The second elongated slot 62 extends along the longitudinalaxis X₁₄ of the plate 14 (i.e., from the third edge 56 toward the fourthedge 58 or vice versa). The second peripheral flange 50 of the perimeterchimneys 18 of the second edge 42 of the nest 12 is received and movablewithin the second elongated slot 62. By this engagement, the plate 14 isslidable relative to the nest 12, and more particularly the base 16 andchimneys 18.

More particularly, the plate 14 is slidable in a first direction A or anopposing second direction B relative to the nest 12, the first andsecond directions being parallel to the longitudinal axes X₁₄, X₁₆ ofthe plate 14 and base 16, respectively. As described in further detailbelow, by this sliding movement, the plate 14 can move the syringes 34in order to maintain a predetermined center to center distance D betweenthe syringes 34 placed within each chimney 18 (e.g., as required bymanufacturers) (see FIGS. 2B and 3B). The predetermined center to centerdistance D refers to the distance between a center C of a syringe 34arranged in one chimney 18 and a center C of a syringe 34 arranged in anadjacent chimney 18.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the first andsecond peripheral flanges 50 of the base 16 need not be formed along thefirst and second edges 40, 42 of the base 16 and the corresponding firstand second elongated slots 62 need not be formed along the first andsecond edges 52, 54 of the plate 14. Instead, the flanges and slots maybe formed along the third and fourth edges 44, 46 and 56, 58 of the base16 and plate 14, such that the plate 14 is slidable in a third or fourthdirection which are perpendicular to the first and second directions A,B (i.e., directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axes X₁₄, X₁₆ ofthe plate 14 and base 16, respectively). Alternatively, the flanges maybe formed proximate certain edges 52, 54, 56, 58 of the plate 14, whilethe slots are formed proximate corresponding edges 40, 42, 44, 46 of thebase 16.

In a first, assembled position of the syringe nest assembly 10, as shownin FIG. 2A, the plate 14 is coupled to the nest 12, such that the firstand second peripheral flanges 50 of the base 16 are received within thefirst and second elongated slots 62 of the plate 14. As such, the plate14 and the base 16 are movable, and more particularly slidable, relativeto each other along the longitudinal axes X₁₄, X₁₆. A syringe 34 ispositioned within one or more of the apertures 60 and correspondingchimneys 18 of the assembly 10. However, the syringes 34 are notproperly centered, meaning they are not positioned so as to maintain thepredetermined center to center distance D between adjacent syringes 34.

In one embodiment, in the assembled position, a flange 64 of eachsyringe 34 is positioned above the plane of the plate 14 and a barrel 66of each syringe 34 is positioned within (and extends through) anaperture 60 of the plate 14 and a corresponding chimney 18 of the nest12. The flange 64 of each syringe 34 may either rest on the firstsurface 14 a of the plate 14 or may be proximate to but not in contactwith the first face 14 a.

In another embodiment, in the assembled position, the flange 64 of eachsyringe 34 is positioned within an aperture 60 of the plate 14 (e.g.,within a counterbore) and the barrel 66 of each syringe is positionedwithin (and extends through) a corresponding chimney 18 of the nest 12.

To place syringe nest assembly 10 in a second position, in which thesyringes 34 are in the predetermined center to center distance D, theplate 14 moves, and more particularly, slides in the first direction Aalong the longitudinal axis X₁₄. The sliding movement of the plate 14causes the inner sidewall 61 of the apertures 60 of the plate 14 to comeinto contact with either the barrel 66 or the flange 64 of the syringe34 positioned therein. By this contact, the plate 14 causes the syringe34 to move with the plate 14 in the first direction A toward theinterior wall surface 20 of the respective chimney 18. The slidingmovement of the plate 14 and syringes 34 continues until the barrel 66of each syringe 34 abuts or contacts a portion of the interior wallsurface 20 of the chimney 18 in which the syringe 34 is positioned (seeFIGS. 2B and 3B). Thus, the second positon of the syringe nest assembly10, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B, is attained, wherein the syringes 34are positioned according to the requisite center to center distance D.

FIGS. 4A-5 depict another embodiment of a syringe nest assembly 100according to the present invention. The syringe nest assembly 100 isgenerally similar to the syringe nest assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-3B, exceptin certain aspects as discussed below.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, the syringe nest assembly 100 includes asyringe nest 102 and at least one movable plate 104. The nest 102comprises a generally planar base or tray 106 having a first surface 106a and an opposing second surface 106 b. The base 106 further includes afirst edge or side 140 and an opposing second edge or side 142. Thefirst and second edges 140, 142 extend parallel to each other. The base106 further includes a third edge or side 144 and an opposing fourthedge or side 146. The third and fourth edges 144, 146 extend parallel toeach other and perpendicular to the first and second edges 140, 142. Alongitudinal axis X₁₀₆ of the base 106 extends parallel to the first andsecond edges 140, 142 from the third edge 144 toward the fourth edge 146(or vice versa).

The base 16 is preferably configured as a planar rectangular tray, butcan alternatively be configured in any planar fashion suitable for itsintended use, such as a planar circular, square, oval, or octagonalshaped tray.

The nest 102 further comprises a plurality of chimneys 108, and morepreferably a plurality of spaced-apart chimneys 108 (i.e., there is agap between adjacent chimneys 108). However, it will be understood thatthe chimney 108 may be arranged in any pattern, such as, for example,the honeycomb pattern described with respect to FIGS. 1-3B.

Each chimney 108 includes a generally hollow body 109 that extendsdistally from the first surface 106 a of the base 106. The hollow body109 includes a first open end 109 a distal from the base 106 and asecond open end 109 b proximate the base 16. The hollow body 109 alsoincludes an interior wall surface 120 and an exterior wall surface 122.The nest 102 can also include a syringe 134 received within each of theplurality of chimneys 108.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-5, in one embodiment, each of the chimneys 108preferably has a cylindrical shape or geometry. However, it will beunderstood that the chimneys 108 may have any suitable shape orgeometry, such as, for example, the hexagonal geometry discussed abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-3B.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-5, in one embodiment, the base 106 includes afirst elongated slot 162 formed proximate to or at the first edge 140.The first elongated slot 162 preferably extends along the longitudinalaxis X₁₀₆ of the base 106 (i.e., from proximate the third edge 144toward the fourth edge 146 or vice versa). The base 106 furtherpreferably includes a second elongated slot 162 formed proximate to orat the second edge 142 which similarly extends along the longitudinalaxis X₁₀₆ of the base 106.

The plate 104 has a generally planar form and includes a first surface104 a and an opposing second surface 104 b. In an assembled position ofthe syringe nest assembly 100, the second surface 104 b faces the firstsurface 106 a of the base 106. The plate 104 further includes a firstedge or side 152 and an opposing second edge or side 154. The first andsecond edges 152, 154 extend parallel to each other. The plate 104further includes a third edge or side 156 and an opposing fourth edge orside 158. The third and fourth edges 156, 158 extend parallel to eachother and perpendicular to the first and second edges 152, 154. Alongitudinal axis X₁₀₄ of the plate 104 extends parallel to the firstand second edges 152, 154 from the third edge 156 toward the fourth edge158 (or vice versa).

While the plate 104 is preferably configured as a planar rectangularform, the plate 104 can alternatively be configured into any planarfashion suitable for its intended use, such as a planar circular,square, oval, or octagonal shaped form. Preferably, however, the shapeof the plate 104 conforms to that of the base 106.

The plate 104 further comprises a central raised portion 105. Thecentral raised portion 105 has a distal surface 105 a extending in aplane that is above the plane of the first surface 104 a of the plate104. The plate 104 further comprises plurality of openings or apertures160 which extend through the body of the plate 104, and moreparticularly from the distal surface 105 a of the raised portion 105 tothe second surface 104 b of the plate 104. The apertures 160 are definedby sidewalls 161 extending through the body of the plate 104, and moreparticularly from the distal surface 105 a of the raised portion 105 tothe second surface 104 b of the plate 104. The positon of each aperture160 corresponds to (i.e., is aligned with) a respective one of thechimneys 108 of the nest 102. The apertures 160 may have any geometricshape. Preferably, the apertures 160 are cylindrical (e.g., circular incross-section). However, it will be understood that the apertures 160may alternatively be hexagonal or any other shape which complements theshape of the associated chimney 108.

The plate 104 further preferably comprises at least one post 112, andmore preferably a plurality of spaced-apart posts 112. Moreparticularly, a plurality of spaced-apart posts 112 are preferablyformed or otherwise provided proximate to or at the first edge 152 ofthe plate 104. Preferably, a plurality of spaced-apart posts 112 arealso formed or otherwise provided proximate to or at the second edge 154of the plate 104.

Each post 112 has a first proximal end 112 a and an opposing seconddistal end 112 a. The first proximal end 112 a is preferably attached toor integrally formed with the plate 104, and more preferably the secondsurface 104 b of the plate 104. The distal end 112 a of each post 112 isdistal from the plate 104. Thus, each post 112 is a downwardly facingpost. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the term“post” is used herein for merely illustrative purposes, and may easilybe replaced by another appropriate term, such as pin, tab, protrusion,bar, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 5, the distal end 112 a of each post 112 is preferablymovably coupled to the base 106, and more particularly one of theelongated slots 162 of the base 106. More particularly, the distal end112 a of each post 112 includes first and second tongues 114. The firsttongue 114 protrudes outwardly away from the body of the post 112 in afirst direction, while the second tongue 114 protrudes outwardly awayfrom the body of the post 112 in a second direction opposite of thefirst direction. Each post 112, and more particularly the distal end 112a of each post 112, formed proximate the first edge 152 of the plate 104is configured to mate with the first elongated slot 162 of the base 106.Each post 112, and more particularly the distal end 112 a of each post112, formed proximate the second edge 154 of the plate 104 is configuredto mate with the second elongated slot 162 of the base 106. Moreparticularly, in the mated configuration, the distal end 112 a of eachpost 112 engages one of the elongated slots 162, such that one of thefirst and second tongues 114 extends towards the first edge 140 of thebase 106 and engages the first surface 106 a of the base 106, while theother one of the first and second tongues 114 extends away from thefirst edge 140 of the base 106 and engages the second surface 106 b ofthe base 106.

The posts 112 of the plate 104 are thus received and movable within thefirst and second elongated slots 162 of the base 106. By thisengagement, the plate 104 is slidable relative to the nest 102, and moreparticularly the base 106 and chimneys 108. More particularly, the plate104 is slidable in a first direction A or an opposing second direction Brelative to the nest 102, the first and second directions being parallelto the longitudinal axes X₁₀₄, X₁₀₆ of the plate 104 and base 106,respectively.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the first andsecond elongated slots 162 of the base 106 need not be formed along thefirst and second edges 140, 142 of the base 106 and the correspondingposts 112 of the plate 104 need not be formed along the first and secondedges 152, 154 of the plate 104. Instead, the slots and posts may beformed along the third and fourth edges 144, 146 and 156, 158 of thebase 106 and plate 104, such that the plate 104 is slidable in a thirdor fourth direction which are perpendicular to the first and seconddirections A, B (i.e., directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axesX₁₀₄, X₁₀₆ of the plate 104 and base 106, respectively).

In a first, assembled position of the syringe nest assembly 100, asshown in FIG. 4A, the plate 104 is coupled to the nest 102, such thatthe distal ends 112 a of the posts 112 of the plate 104 are receivedwithin the first and second elongated slots 162 of the base 106. Assuch, the plate 104 and the base 106 are movable, and more particularlyslidable, relative to each other along the longitudinal axes X₁₀₄, X₁₀₆.A syringe 134 is positioned within one or more of the apertures 160 andcorresponding chimneys 108 of the assembly 100. However, the syringes134 are not properly centered, meaning they are not positioned so as tomaintain the predetermined center to center distance D between adjacentsyringes 134.

In one embodiment, in the assembled position, a flange 164 of eachsyringe 134 is positioned within an aperture 160 of the plate 104 and abarrel 166 of each syringe 134 is positioned within (and extendsthrough) a corresponding chimney 108 of the nest 102. Each aperture 160includes a counterbore which captures the syringe flange 164 therein onboth the top and bottom sides of the flange 164, which allows for bettercontrol of the skewness of the syringes 134.

In another embodiment (not shown), the flange 164 of each syringe 134 ispositioned above the plane of the raised portion 105 of the plate 104and the barrel 166 of each syringe 134 is positioned within (and extendsthrough) an aperture 160 of the plate 104 and a corresponding chimney108 of the nest 102. The flange 164 of each syringe 134 may either reston the distal surface 105 a of the raised portion 105 of the plate 104or may be proximate to but not in contact with the distal surface 105 a.In another embodiment, the plate 104 does not include the raised portion105, such that the flange 164 of each syringe 134 rest on the firstsurface 104 a of the plate 104 or is proximate to but not in contactwith the first surface 104 a.

To place the syringe nest assembly 100 in a second position, shown inFIG. 4B, in which the syringes 134 are in the predetermined center tocenter distance D, the plate 104 moves, and more particularly, slides inthe first direction A along the longitudinal axis X₁₀₄. The slidingmovement of the plate 104 causes the inner sidewall 161 of the apertures160 to come into contact with the flange 164 (or the barrel 166) of thesyringe 134 positioned therein. By this contact, the plate 104 causesthe syringe 134 to move with the plate 104 in the first direction Atoward the interior wall surface 120 of the respective chimney 108. Thesliding movement of the plate 104 and syringes 134 continues until thebarrel 166 of each syringe 134 abuts or contacts a portion of theinterior wall surface 120 of the chimney 108 in which the syringe 134 ispositioned. Thus, the second positon of the syringe nest assembly 100,as shown in FIG. 4B, is attained, wherein the syringes 134 arepositioned according to the requisite center to center distance D.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict another embodiment of a syringe nest assembly 200according to the present invention. The syringe nest assembly 200 isgenerally similar to the syringe nest assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-3B, exceptin certain aspects as discussed below.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, the syringe nest assembly 200 includes asyringe nest 202 and at least one movable plate 204. More preferably,the syringe nest assembly 200 includes a first movable plate 204 and asecond movable plate 280. The nest 202 is generally similar to thesyringe nest 102 of FIGS. 4A-5, except in certain aspects as discussedbelow. The nest 202 comprises a generally planar base or tray 206 havinga first surface 206 a and an opposing second surface 206 b. The base 206further includes a first edge or side 240 and an opposing second edge orside 242. The first and second edges 240, 242 extend parallel to eachother. The base 206 further includes a third edge or side 244 and anopposing fourth edge or side 246. The third and fourth edges 244, 246extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and secondedges 240, 242. A longitudinal axis X₂₀₆ of the base 206 extendsparallel to the first and second edges 240, 242 from the third edge 244toward the fourth edge 246 (or vice versa).

The base 206 is preferably configured as a planar rectangular tray, butcan alternatively be configured in any planar fashion suitable for itsintended use, such as a planar circular, square, oval, or octagonalshaped tray.

The nest 202 further comprises a plurality of chimneys 208, and morepreferably a plurality of spaced-apart chimneys 208 (i.e., there is agap between adjacent chimneys 208). However, it will be understood thatthe chimney 208 may be arranged in any pattern, such as, for example,the honeycomb pattern described with respect to FIGS. 1-3B.

Each chimney 208 includes a generally hollow body 209 that extendsdistally from the first surface 206 a of the base 206. The hollow body209 includes a first open end 209 a distal from the base 206 and asecond open end 209 b proximate the base 206. The hollow body 209 alsoincludes an interior wall surface 220 and an exterior wall surface 222.The nest 202 can also include a syringe (not shown) received within eachof the plurality of chimneys 208.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, in one embodiment, each of the chimneys 208preferably has a cylindrical shape or geometry. However, it will beunderstood that the chimneys 208 may have any suitable shape orgeometry, such as, for example, the hexagonal geometry discussed abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-3B.

In one embodiment, a first L-shaped member 296 is provided proximate toor at the first edge 240 of the base 206. Preferably, a second L-shapedmember 296 is also provided proximate to or at the second edge 242 ofthe base 206. Each L-shaped member 296 extends downwardly from thebottom surface 206 b of the base 206 and defines a first elongated slotor groove 262 therein. Each L-shaped member 296 and each elongated slot262 extend along the longitudinal axis X₂₀₆ of the base 206 (i.e., fromthe third edge 244 toward the fourth edge 246 or vice versa).

The first plate 204 has a generally planar form and includes a firstsurface 204 a and an opposing second surface 204 b. In an assembledposition of the syringe nest assembly 200, the first surface 204 a ofthe plate 204 faces the second surface 206 b of the base 206. The firstplate 204 further includes a first edge or side 252 and an opposingsecond edge or side 254. The first and second edges 252, 254 extendparallel to each other. The first plate 204 further includes a thirdedge or side 256 and an opposing fourth edge or side (not visible inFIGS. 6A-6B). The third edge 256 and the fourth edge extend parallel toeach other and perpendicular to the first and second edges 252, 254. Alongitudinal axis X₂₀₄ of the first plate 204 extends parallel to thefirst and second edges 252, 254 from the third edge 256 toward thefourth edge (or vice versa).

The first and second edges 252, 254 of the plate 204 are received andmovable within the first and second elongated slots 262, respectively,of the base 206. By this engagement, the first plate 204 is slidablerelative to the nest 202, and more particularly the base 206 andchimneys 208.

The first plate 204 further comprises plurality of openings or apertures260 which extend through the body of the first plate 204, and moreparticularly from the first surface 204 a to the second surface 204 b ofthe first plate 204. The apertures 260 are defined by sidewalls 261extending through the body of the first plate 204, and more particularlyfrom the first surface 204 a to the second surface 204 b of the firstplate 204. The positon of each aperture 260 corresponds to (i.e., isaligned with) a respective one of the chimneys 208 of the nest 202. Theapertures 260 may have any geometric shape. Preferably, the apertures260 are cylindrical (e.g., circular in cross-section). However, it willbe understood that the apertures 260 may alternatively be hexagonal orany other shape which complements the shape of the associated chimney208.

The second plate 280 has a generally planar form and includes a firstsurface 280 a and an opposing second surface 280 b. In an assembledposition of the syringe nest assembly 200, the first surface 280 a ofthe second plate 280 faces the second surface 204 b of the first plate204. The second plate 280 further includes a first edge or side 286 andan opposing second edge or side 288. The first and second edges 286, 288extend parallel to each other. The second plate 280 further includes athird edge or side 292 and an opposing fourth edge or side 294. Thethird and fourth edges 292, 294 extend parallel to each other andperpendicular to the first and second edges 286, 288. A longitudinalaxis X₂₈₀ of the second plate 280 extends parallel to the first andsecond edges 286, 288 from the third edge 292 toward the fourth edge 294(or vice versa).

The first and second edges 286, 288 of the second plate 280 are alsoreceived and movable within the first and second elongated slots 262,respectively, of the base 206. By this engagement, the second plate 280is slidable relative to the nest 202, and more particularly the base 206and chimneys 208, and is also slidable relative to the first plate 204.

More particularly, each of the first and second plates 204, 280 isindependently slidable in a first direction A or an opposing seconddirection B relative to the nest 202, the first and second directionsbeing parallel to the longitudinal axis X₂₀₆ of the base 16.

The second plate 280 further comprises a plurality of openings orapertures 282 which extend through the body of the second plate 280, andmore particularly from the first surface 280 a to the second surface 280b of the second plate 280. The apertures 282 are defined by sidewalls283 extending through the body of the plate second 280, and moreparticularly from the first surface 280 a to the second surface 208 b ofthe second plate 280. The positon of each aperture 282 corresponds to(i.e., is aligned with) a respective one of the chimneys 208 of the nest202 and a respective one of the apertures 260 of the first plate 204.The apertures 282 may have any geometric shape. Preferably, theapertures 282 are cylindrical (e.g., circular in cross-section).However, it will be understood that the apertures 282 may alternativelybe hexagonal or any other shape which complements the shape of theassociated chimney 208 and aperture 260 of the first plate 204.

While the plates 204, 280 are each preferably configured as a planarrectangular form, the plates 204, 280 can alternatively be configuredinto any planar fashion suitable for its intended use, such as a planarcircular, square, oval, or octagonal shaped form. Preferably, however,the shape of the plates 204, 280 conforms to that of the base 206.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the first andsecond elongated slots 262 of the base 206 need not be formed along thefirst and second edges 240, 242 of the base 206. Instead, the slots 262may be formed along the third and fourth edges 244, 246 of the base 206,such that the third and fourth edges 256 and 292, 294 of the first andsecond plates 204, 280 are received within the slots 262 and slidable ina third or fourth direction which are perpendicular to the first andsecond directions A, B (i.e., directions perpendicular to thelongitudinal axes X₂₀₆ of the base 106).

In a first, assembled position of the syringe nest assembly 200, asshown in FIG. 6A, the first and second plates 204, 280 are coupled tothe nest 202, such that the third edge 256 of the first plate 204 andthe third edge 292 of the second plate 280 are received within the firstelongated slot 262 of the base 206 and the fourth edge of the firstplate 204 and the fourth edge 294 of the second plate 280 are receivedwithin the second elongated slot 262 of the base 206. As such, the firstplate 204, the second plate 280 and the base 206 are movable, and moreparticularly slidable, relative to each other along the longitudinalaxes X₂₀₄, X₂₈₀, X₂₀₆. A syringe (not shown) is positioned within one ormore of the apertures 260, 282 and corresponding chimneys 208 of theassembly 200, in any of the manners described above.

To place the syringe nest assembly 200 in a second position, shown inFIG. 6B, in which the syringes are in the predetermined center to centerdistance D, the second plate 280 moves, and more particularly, slides inthe first direction A along the longitudinal axis X₂₈₀ and the firstplate 204 (generally simultaneously) slides in the second direction Balong the longitudinal axis X₂₀₄. The sliding movement of the first andsecond plates 204, 280 in opposite directions (and more particularly inopposite directions towards the syringe) causes the inner sidewalls 261,283 of the apertures 260, 282 to come into contact with the flange orbarrel of the syringe positioned therein. By this contact, the first andsecond plates 204, 280 center the syringe (i.e., position the syringesaccording to the requisite center to center distance D) as describedabove.

In one embodiment, a portion of the base 16, 106, 206 namely at one ofthe edges, is recessed or indented to form an arcuate shaped edge hole70, 170, 270. In some embodiments, an arcuate shaped edge ridge 172, 272may extend generally perpendicularly from the base 16, 106, 206 andsurround the edge hole 70, 170, 270. The edge rib 172, 272 (if present)provides stiffness and strength for the base 16, 106, 206 proximate theedge holes 70, 170, 270. Also, in one embodiment, an arcuate shaped hole71, 174, 284, 290 is formed proximate one or more of the edges of theplate 14, 104, 204, 280. The edge holes 70, 170, 270 of the base 16,106, 206 are preferably configured to be aligned with the edge holes 71,174, 284, 290 of the plate 14, 104, 204, 280. One or more edge holes 70,170, 270, 71, 174, 284, 290 are preferably included in the base 16, 106,206 and plate 14, 104, 204, 280 such that a user is able to insert afinger or tool or automated equipment is able to grasp the base 16, 106,206 and/or plate 14, 104, 204, 280 through the edge holes 70, 170, 270,71, 174, 284, 290 for ease of gripping and moving the plates 14, 104,204, 280 and/or base 16, 106, 206. The edge holes 70, 170, 270, 71, 174,284, 290 are not limited to inclusion in the edges of the base 16, 106,206 and plate 14, 104, 204, 280 and may be instead positioned at nearlyany location on the base 16, 106, 206 and plate 14, 104, 204, 280.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, there is shown another embodiment according tothe present invention. The syringe nest assembly 400 of FIGS. 7-8comprises a syringe nest having a generally planar base or tray 406having a first surface 406 a and an opposing second surface 406 b.Unlike the bases 16, 106, 206 of FIGS. 1-6B, which are generally rigid,the base 406 of FIGS. 7-8 is formed of a relatively flexible material.While the present embodiment is configured with the base 406 configuredas a planar rectangular tray, the base 406 can alternatively beconfigured in any planar fashion suitable for its intended use, such asa planar circular, square, oval, or octagonal shaped tray.

The nest 400 further comprises a plurality of single nesting units,referred to herein as chimneys, 408. Each chimney 408 includes agenerally hollow body 409 that extends distally from the first surface406 a of the base 406. The hollow body 409 includes a first open end 409a distal from the base 16 and a second end 409 b proximate the base 406.The hollow body 409 also includes an interior wall surface 420 and anexterior wall surface 422. The nest 402 is configured to receive asyringe (not shown) within each of the plurality of chimneys 408.

Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, each of the chimneys 408preferably has a hexagonal shape or geometry, and the hexagonal chimneys408 are arranged in a honeycomb pattern, as described above with respectto FIGS. 1-3B. It will, however, be understood that the chimneys 408need not have a hexagonal geometry and need not be arranged in ahoneycomb pattern. Indeed, the chimneys 408 may be cylindrical andarranged in any pattern, with or without gaps or voids between adjacentchimneys.

At the proximate end 409 b of each chimney 408, the flexible base 406includes a selectively openable/closable notch 410. Preferably, thenotch 410 is formed by a pair of cross-cuts made in the material of theflexible base 406. As such, the proximate end 409 b of each chimney 408includes four flaps 412 of the flexible base 406 material formed by thecross-cuts.

Each notch 410 is in a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, when nosyringe is positioned within the chimney 408. However, when a syringe isplaced within the chimney 408, the barrel of the syringe extends throughthe hollow body 409 of the chimney 408 and through the flexible base 406at the notch 410. As such, the notch 410 is placed in an open position,wherein the flaps 412 surround and resilient grip the syringe barrel,thereby centering or stabilizing the syringe to achieve thepredetermined center to center distance between adjacent syringes.

The base 406 may be formed of any flexible material. Preferably, thebase 406 is a thin film of polypropylene or is formed of a thermoplasticelastomer that is bonded to the bottom of the chimneys 408 via heatstaking, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and the like, or isintegrally formed with the chimneys 408.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is to be understood, therefore, that thepresent invention is not limited to the particular embodimentsdisclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spiritand scope of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of centering two or more syringes in a syringe nest assembly, the syringe nest assembly comprising: a base having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the base comprising a plurality of nesting units extending upwardly away from the first surface of the base, each nesting unit comprising a hollow body having an interior wall surface and an exterior wall surface, and a first plate movably coupled to the base, the first plate having a generally planar form, a first surface and an opposing second surface, the first plate being slidable relative to the base along a longitudinal axis parallel to edges of the base, the first plate comprising a plurality of apertures extending from the first surface to the second surface of the first plate, each aperture of the first plate being generally aligned with a respective nesting unit of the base, the method comprising: positioning a first syringe in a first nesting unit and positioning a second syringe in a second nesting unit adjacent the first nesting unit, such that a barrel of each syringe extends through the hollow body of the respective nesting unit; and sliding the first plate in a first direction relative to the base such that the first plate contacts each syringe and causes each syringe to move toward the interior wall surface of the respective nesting unit until each syringe contacts the interior wall surface of the respective nesting unit, thereby resulting in centering of the first and second syringes.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hollow body of each nesting unit has a first open end distal from the first surface of the base and an opposing second open end.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second syringes extend through adjacent apertures of the plurality of apertures.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein each nesting unit has a hexagonal hollow body.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the nesting units are arranged in a honeycomb pattern.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein each nesting unit has a cylindrical hollow body.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second surface of the first plate faces the first surface of the base.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the base has a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein the first plate has a first edge and an opposing second edge, and wherein, proximate the first edges, one of the base and the first plate includes an elongated slot and the other of the base and the first plate includes at least one protrusion configured to be slidably received within the elongated slot.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first plate includes the elongated slot and the base includes the at least one protrusion, and wherein the at least one protrusion is an outwardly protruding flange formed at the first open end of at least one of the nesting units proximate the first and second edges of the base.
 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the base includes the elongated slot and the first plate includes the at least one protrusion, and wherein the at least one protrusion is a post extending downwardly away from the second face of the first plate toward the first face of the base.
 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first surface of the first plate faces the second surface of the base.
 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the base has a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein the first plate has a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein, proximate the first edges, one of the base and the first plate includes an elongated slot, and wherein the first edge of the other of the base and the first plate is configured to be slidably received within the elongated slot.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the base includes the elongated slot.
 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the syringe nest assembly further comprises a second plate movably coupled to the base, the second plate having a generally planar form, a first surface and an opposing second surface, the second plate comprising a plurality of apertures extending from the first surface to the second surface of the second plate, each aperture of the second plate being generally aligned with a respective nesting unit of the base and a respective aperture of the first plate.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the first and second syringes extend through adjacent apertures of the plurality of apertures of the second plate.
 16. The method according to claim 14, the method further comprising sliding the second plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction while sliding the first plate in the first direction relative to the base.
 17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the first surface of the first plate faces the second surface of the base and wherein the first surface of the second plate faces the second surface of the first plate.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the base has a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein the first plate has a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein the second plate has a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein the base includes an elongated slot proximate its first edge, and wherein the first edge of the first plate and the first edge of the second plate are slidably received within the elongated slot.
 19. A syringe nest comprising: a flexible base having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the base comprising a plurality of nesting units extending upwardly away from the first surface of the base, each nesting unit comprising a hollow body having a first open end distal from the first surface of the base and an opposing second end, the base further comprising a notch formed at the second end of each nesting unit, each notch being configured to be in a closed position when no syringe is positioned in the nesting unit and each notch being configured to be in an open position when a syringe is positioned in the nesting unit, such that the syringe extends through the base when the notch is in the open position.
 20. The syringe nest of claim 19, wherein the base is formed of a thin film of polypropylene or of a thermoplastic elastomer bonded to the second end of the hollow body of each nesting unit. 